Taurus Range

Taurus Mountains are a complex mountain range stretches from southeast of Turkey to mediterranean coast of Antalya.Middle Taurus- ‘Aladağlar’ is situated in the intersection point of Adana,Niğde and Kayseri provinces,lies in about 1025 km2 area.Nearly 30 peaks exceeding 3700 mt have diversity affluence  for mountaineering.

Taurus Mountains trekking tour start with warm up walks in the magical atmosphere of Cappadocia.Then we head on to wild geography of ‘Aladağlar’.The tour offers you spectacular hikes on Taurus Mountains combined with sightseeings in Cappadocia.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Taurus Mountains:
Admire fascinating scenery of Aladağlar,hike through wilderness

Camping:
Sleep under dazzling star-covered sky

Cappadocia:
Explore enchanting volcanic formations,visit world heritage sites

Food:
Taste local delicates of Anatolian cuisine

Kaymaklı:
Discover mysterious underground city

GALLERY

Cicerone travel taurus Mountain

MAP

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival in Kayseri airport.Transfer to Göreme(1hr)

You meet our tour guide and driver at Kayseri Airport.We drive to the hotel in Göreme.Göreme is a small charming town of Cappadocia.As it is located at the heart of the region, Göreme is a convenient base for activities in Cappadocia.Depending on flight times we have an orientation walk around the town.

Day 2 Walk White valley and Pigeon valley,visit Uchisar Castle

We have a short transfer to white valley.Route take us to Uchisar castle through the monolith rock formations.Due to this mushroom shaped formations on the slopes,it is also called ‘Love valley’.We ascend to Uchisar town.We have lunch in a local restaurant then visit the castle.It is a naturally formed rock structure with full of caves used as dwellings,storages and stalls.As it is the highest spot of central Cappadocia,It was always a strategic point during war times.We walk up to the top of the castle.Then we continue our walk through Pigeon valley.The valley accomodates a big number of pigeon houses.Pigeon’s guanos were used to fertilise the fields by locals.As they contain 15 percent nitrogen,they were nutritionally beneficial for dry soils like Cappadocia.There are thousands of lofts carved out of rock faces around the region.We descend to Göreme town.You can have invigorating Turkish bath ‘Hamam’ before we head back to the hotel

Day 3 Visit Kaymaklı underground city,drive to Taurus mountains,walk Maden valley

Today we check out from the hotel and drive to Kaymaklı underground city. Underground cities are one of the top highlights of Cappadocia.They were the living quarters and shelters of the locals during war times throughout the history.Although the first inhabitants are thought to be Hittites,most of them were reformed and enlarged by Christian communities against Arab-Sasanids raids.With long passages,labyrinth tunnels,chapels,vineries and a big number of storages,they are more like  subterranean villages with the capacity of thousands.Kaymaklı underground city is one of the largest in the region consisting of 4 floors open to public.It was listed as a World Heritage site in 1985.Then we drive to Demirkazık village.We have lunch in a village house then walk through Maden valley.Gradual climb take us to camp site in Maden.Overnight camp at 1900mt.

Day 4 Walk from Maden to Karagöl lake

Today the route lead us through the rest of Maden gorge to Karagöl.The trails follows a mule path and dirt road to high pastures ‘Yayla’.Possibly we see nomads and their herds grazing around.We have lunch here then continue to ascend to our camp site at Karagöl.Fritillaries and grape hyacints decorate the path in july.If you’re lucky you might see mountain goats on the sheer cliffs.You can cool off in the snow melt lake after the walk.The photo lovers might like to climb to Sığırasan pass for a dramatic view of Dipsiz lake and nort face of Mt Demirkazık.Overnight camp at 2550mt.

Day 5 Walk from Karagöl to Yedigöller (Seven lakes) (ascent 600m/descent 180m/6-7hr)

Today our walk starts through Akcay valley towards  Comce lake and steady ascends on a goat path to Tekkekalesi pass(3200m)We have lunch here and enjoy the spectacular view overlooking lakes and surrounding summits.Then we dip down to seven lakes region.We might come across with nomad families en route and have a break at their black goat-hair tents.You can enjoy lake swim after the walk.We have a camp fire under dazzling stars tonight.Overnight camp at 3100 mt.

Day 6 Climb Mt Emler,walk to Sokullupınar(Ascent 620m/descent 1600m/7hr)

In the morning we climb to Mt Emler(3723m)A steady climb take us to summit on a partly scrambling scree path.This is a non-technical but a challenging climb to admire breathtaking view of rocky summits and Anatolian plain from top.Then we descend to Yalak valley through a narrow pass of Çelikbuyduran where we have lunch near ice cold spring.Continuing our walk down to valley we pass by bizarre rock formations and reach to green campsite of Sokullupınar.Overnight camp at 2050mt.

Day 7 Walk from Sokullupınar to Emli valley (Ascent 500/descent 650/6-7hr)

Departing our campsite we ascend to Tulu Valley before climbing up to Eznevit pastures(2538).We have a picnic at the sheperd cottage.Then we descend on a scree path to Emli valley.The valley is covered with pine trees and has a tremendous view with the surrouning rock walls.From the valley bottom we follow a dirt road to our campsite.Overnight camp at 1850mt.

Day 8 Tour ends. Drive to Kayseri Airport

Today we leave our campsite and drive to Kayseri.Depending on flight time we can have a city tour of Kayseri.

TRIP INFORMATION

  • Difficulty Level

    Challenging.

    Fitness-good level of fitness is required.

  • Length

    5-7hours day walks,Max. altitude is 3723 meters(12200 feet).

  • Terrain

    Rocky mule path,scree and dirt roads

  • Equipment

    Trekking boots,30-40 liters rucksack,sun cream,sunhat,raingear,sleeping bags(comfortable down to -10 centigrade)walking sticks are recommended.

  • Meals

    Picnic lunch to be prepared and shared before the walk.

  • Transfer

    Luggage are transported to camp sites by mules everyday.Our chef pitch the tents and cook for us.Spring water is available at every campsite.

PRICING

2 Pax 3-5 Pax 6 + Pax
contact us 830 € 695 €

Includes

7 breakfast,6 lunch,7 dinner,all transfers,air conditioned bus,English speaker licensed tour guide,passenger insurance,enterance fees at the sites written in the itinerary.

Excludes

Drinks,gratitudes for tour staff,personal expenses.

Tour staff

Tour guide and driver.Cook at campsite.

Season

June,July,August

RESERVATION

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